“I think it’s a good thing for the community,” said Pete Strates, whose Walnut Cove business, Dukes Restaurant, is one of the category sponsors of the event.

As a category sponsor, Dukes Restaurant is providing a $50 prize to the winner in the “cutest” category of the virtual Halloween contest. The Town of Walnut Cove is also a category sponsor and will give a $50 prize in the category of “most original.” People can also win bragging rights in the “funniest” and “scariest” categories.

Winners are chosen by online visitors who will be allowed to cast votes — one per day — for those pictured in their costumes. The virtual contest submission period runs from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3. Then voting begins on Nov. 4 and ends Nov. 14. The winners will be announced the following week.

Just like with other Stokes News online contests, participants — whether entering, voting or viewing — must have a valid email address, which must be listed as they fill out the online form.

To submit an entry, visit www.thestokesnews.com, click on the Virtual Halloween Contest logo and follow the steps to upload the photo and enter. The link to the contest can also be found on the “Contest” page under the “Local Features” tab on the website.

Anyone unable to submit an entry online can drop one off at a sponsor location — either Dukes Restaurant or the Town of Walnut Cove office.

The main draw of the contest — other than the obvious costume competition itself — is the opportunity to begin promoting the start of what businesses hope will be a very good holiday season.

Pete Strates of Dukes Restaurant said he agreed to sponsor the contest “mostly for the kids.” He explained, “I just think Halloween is something that kids really enjoy. It makes them happy.” The family restaurant in Walnut Cove tries to sponsor various activities in the community.

The Town of Walnut Cove’s sponsorship fits hand-in-hand with the town’s plans for Halloween, which include a Halloween costume and Jack-o-lantern contest for all ages on Oct. 31. The town event will be held in Fowler Park from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There will be prizes and candy. Trunk or treat with local merchants on Main Street will be available from 6:30 p.m. onward.

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